At this time, Clerk Kelly asked Commissioner Posma to read the resolution for a one-year term for Chairperson.

Transcription

1 The regular meeting of the Mason County Board of Commissioners was held at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Room located in the Mason County Courthouse in the City of Ludington. The meeting was called to order by Clerk C. Kelly. Roll call was taken. Present: Absent: W. Taranko, G. Castonia, C. Lange, L. Squires, S. Hull, J. Andersen, T. Posma None. Invocation was given by L. Squires. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America followed. Motion by T. Posma and seconded by J. Andersen to approve the agenda with the revisions to the Promise Resolution. Motion carried. At this time, Clerk Kelly asked Commissioner Posma to read the resolution for a one-year term for Chairperson. Motion by T. Posma and seconded by W. Taranko to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, Public Act 392 of 2000 amends section 3 of Public Act 156 of 1851 specifying that the chairperson of a county board of commissioners shall be elected each odd-numbered year to serve a two-year term, unless the county board of commissioners provides by resolution that the chairperson shall be elected annually for a one-year term; and WHEREAS, Public Act 392 took effect on January 4, 2001; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the County of Mason desires to elect its chairperson on an annual basis. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of the County of Mason does hereby determine to elect its chairperson for annual one-year terms in accordance with the terms of Public Act 392 of Clerk Kelly explained by law the election process of the Board Chairman was the only time commissioners were allowed to vote by secret ballot and only if a motion were to be passed by the County Board requesting the vote for Chairman to be taken by secret ballot. No motion was made from the floor regarding the issue. Clerk Kelly opened the floor for nominations. J. Andersen nominated Charles Lange for Board Chair. Clerk Kelly asked if there were any other nominations for Board Chair. There were none given. Again, Clerk Kelly asked if there were any other nominations for Board Chair. There were none given. Motion by T. Posma and seconded by W. Taranko to close nominations and cast a unanimous vote for Charles Lange as Board Chair. Motion carried. Clerk Kelly turned the meeting over to Chairman Lange at this time. Chairman Lange opened nominations for the Vice Chair position. W. Taranko nominated Janet Andersen as Board Vice Chair. Chairman Lange asked again if there were any other nominations for Vice Chair. There were none given. Again, Chairman Lange asked if there were any other nominations for Vice Chair. There were none given. Motion by T. Posma and seconded by W. Taranko to close nominations and cast a unanimous vote for Janet Andersen as Board Vice Chair. Motion carried. Motion by J. Andersen and seconded by S. Hull to approve the minutes of the December 12, 2017 Regular Meeting and the December 27, 2017 Special Meeting. Motion carried. Katie Miller, Health Educator & Coalition Coordinator of District Health Department #10, spoke to the Mason County Board of Commissioners on legislation of marihuana for recreational use that may be on the November 2018 ballot. Ms. Miller outlined the negative health impact that studies have shown when comparing what legalization of marijuana in Colorado has found and the devastating effects it will have on Mason County residents, especially school aged children. She has presented a resolution from the West Michigan Community Mental Health Board of Directors with the hopes that Mason County will also adopt this resolution. Commissioner Squires thanked Ms. Miller for her presentation and taking the initiative to educate Mason County residents on another growing issue faced by many communities. Chairman Lange stated that he would refer the resolution to the Public Safety and Courts Committee for their review and recommendations. 1

2 Motion made by J. Andersen and seconded by T. Posma to move into a public hearing to discuss the Mason County Promise. Motion carried. Mr. Jason Kennedy, Ludington Area Schools Superintendent wished to inform the Board of Commissioners and the public in attendance that Mason County met the post requirements necessary for Public Act 549 (PA549) with posting of the Public Hearing in 35 locations as well as posting in the Ludington Daily News on December 18 and December 19, He informed the Board that thirty days after the Public Hearing the Mason County Promise needs to be submitted to the Michigan State Department of Treasury, but first the Board needs to consider the Resolution before them. He reviewed with the Mason County Board of Commissioners Public Acts: 150, 549 and 550; and Senate Bill No. 98. A description of the Proposed Promise Zone is as follows: It shall be for certain graduates from one of the following four school districts within Mason County: Mason County Central Schools, Mason County Eastern Schools, Ludington Area School District or Gateway to Success Academy (G2S) who reside within the geographic boundaries of Mason County, Michigan and meet the four-year guidelines of attendance. Financial assistance to eligible students will receive funding for tuition and mandatory fees up to the cost of obtaining an Associate s degree, certificate or other authorized skilled trades credential, or its equivalent, at the prevailing West Shore Community College tuition rate. In order for a student to be eligible to receive proceeds from the Mason County Promise scholarship, students must meet all of the following criteria: -Reside within the boundaries of Mason County. -Graduate with a diploma or GED from one of the four school districts noted above. -Graduate with a cumulative 2.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) from a qualifying school district located within Mason County, as listed above. -Apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that the student intends to use proceeds from the Promise Scholarship. -Enroll at the eligible partnering institution, West Shore Community College. The purpose of the meeting today was for the following: -Presentation to the Public about the Michigan Promise Zone. -Description of Public Acts 549 and PA 550 and PA Process to Establish the Promise Zone. -Tentative Criteria for Eligibility. -Estimate of Revenues for the Promise Zone -Description of the Promise Zone Plan. -Public Discussion and questions and answers regarding the Proposed Establishment of a Promise Zone. Mr. Kennedy elaborated on the Estimated Revenue Sheets that were provided by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Establishment of a base year to start the program will be the most beneficial. If the Promise Zone offers scholarships in 2018, these will be placed on a fast track and require two years of private donations, which would recapture approximately $500,000 in funding in year three, and greater funding in years to following. Mr. Kennedy noted that the Mason County Promise is in draft form and that the Mason County Board of Commissioners will need to appoint an Authorizing Board, comprised of eleven individuals, who would be responsible for outlining the terms of the scholarships and extent of the benefit for students of Mason County. Part of the program is to include a listing of funding available for students who are eligible. The floor was opened for questions at this time by County Commissioner T. Posma. Mary Burden, Scottville, asked if the four years of attending school needing to be concurrent or if a student could take time off between high school and college and then apply. Mr. Kennedy elaborated that this would be determined by the Eleven Authority Board members. Commissioner Posma posed the question if a student were to switch schools in 10 th grade from one school to another in the County, would that student still be eligible to receive a Promise Scholarship? Mr. Kennedy noted that if the transfer was to a school district within the geographical boundaries of Mason County, the student was still eligible. Commissioner Posma noted his concerns with tracking issues. Again, per Mr. Kennedy this would be another item the Authority Board will have to determine once it is established. Commissioner Squires noted that in reading the information provided, it acknowledges that a student who graduated with a diploma or GED is eligible for the Promise Scholarship, would the students who received a certificate from the Spartan Academy also be eligible? Mr. Kennedy replied, Yes. In addition, he questioned if grandparents, who are raising their grandchildren due to parents being in the armed forces or for other reasons, be eligible for participation in the program as well. Mr. Kennedy stated Yes. Ed Miller, Mason County Eastern School Board Member (retired school teacher) broached the question of whether or not in-district students who lived in other counties are eligible for the Promise Scholarship. Mr. Kennedy responded with No. The student needed to be living in the geographical boundaries of Mason County. In closing, Mr. Kennedy noted that there would not be an increase in property taxes to participate in this program. Motion by T. Posma and seconded by W. Taranko to move out of the Public Hearing. Motion carried. 2

3 No correspondence was read. Public comment: 101 St House Representative Curt Vanderwall congratulated Commissioners Lange and Andersen on their respective appointments. In addition, he thanked each Commissioner for their work in all they do for Mason County. Furthermore, he thanked Administrator Knizacky for all his work for the County and taking time out of his busy schedule to take Representative Vanderwall's phone calls. He looks forward to working with everyone in Commissioner Squires congratulated the Board of Commissioners on the excellent work they are doing to make changes for the students of Mason County with regards to the Mason County Promise. Commissioner W. Taranko noted that at the previous Board meeting, he informed the Board that Mason-Oceana 911 was losing their I.T. Support Staff, Mr. Todd Meyers. As of the most recent meeting, Mr. Meyers agreed to stay on at 911 and will not be leaving the area. WHEREAS, the Mason County Board of Commissioners has approved a Brownfield Plan for the Holiday Inn Express Project; and WHEREAS, the Finance, Personnel, & Rules Committee is recommending the attached Brownfield Reimbursement Agreement related to that plan. attached Brownfield Reimbursement Agreement and directs County Board Chair Lange to sign it on their behalf. WHEREAS, the county s attorney is recommending the attached language be added to the Mason County Employee Handbook; and WHEREAS, the Finance, Personnel, & Rules Committee is recommending the attached amendment to the policy. attached amendment to the Mason County Employee Handbook; effective March 1, Chairman Lange wished to thank Administrator Knizacky with regards to his work in updating the Employee Handbook. WHEREAS, it is necessary, from time to time, to review and update the adopted rules of the Mason County Board of Commissioners. adopted rules of the Mason County Board of Commissioners. WHEREAS, District Court Judge Wadel is recommending a $6, supplement be paid related to technology responsibilities done by the Circuit Court Reporter; and WHEREAS, the Finance, Personnel, & Rules Committee is recommending that the Board of Commissioners adopt a new supplemental salary scale for this position. 3

4 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Mason County approves a new supplemental salary scale of $6, for the Circuit Court Technology position effective January 1, 2018; funds to come from the attached budget amendment. Motion by G. Castonia and seconded by S. Hull to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, Magistrate Baker is requesting the purchase of two computers from the Equipment Replacement Fund 402; and WHEREAS, the Public Safety & Courts Committee has reviewed the request and is recommending approval of it. purchase of two computers; funds to come from the Equipment Replacement Fund 402. Motion carried. (Signed) G. Castonia Motion by C. Lange and seconded by T. Posma to approve the following resolution: The Finance, Personnel, and Rules Committee has audited the County s claims dated December 14, 2017 totaling $619, and December 28, 2017 totaling $169,511.28; and The Finance, Personnel, and Rules Committee found these claims to be in order and asks the Board to approve these claims. Motion carried. (Signed) C. Lange, W. Taranko, T. Posma Motion by C. Lange and seconded by J. Andersen to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, the 2018 schedule of meetings for the Mason County Board of Commissioners requires approval. attached 2018 schedule of meetings. Motion carried. (Signed) C. Lange JANUARY 9 th TUESDAY 9:00 A.M. JULY 10 th TUESDAY 9:00 A.M. FEBRUARY 13 th TUESDAY 7:00 P.M. AUGUST 14 th TUESDAY 7:00 P.M. MARCH 13 th TUESDAY 9:00 A.M. SEPTEMBER 11 th TUESDAY 9:00 A.M. APRIL 10 th TUESDAY 7:00 P.M. OCTOBER 9 th TUESDAY 7:00 P.M. MAY 15 th TUESDAY 9:00 A.M. NOVEMBER 13 th TUESDAY 9:00 A.M. JUNE 12 th TUESDAY 7:00 P.M. DECEMBER 11 th TUESDAY 7:00 P.M. JANUARY 8 th, 2019 TUESDAY 9:00 A.M. Motion carried. (Signed) C. Lange Motion by C. Lange and seconded by W. Taranko to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, District Court Judge Wadel is recommending an increase in the Magistrate's salary; and WHEREAS, the Finance, Personnel, & Rules Committee is recommending that the Board of Commissioners adopt a new salary scale for this position. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Mason County approves the following new salary scale effective January 1, 2018; funds to come from the attached budget amendment. Start Satisfaction plus 1 year Satisfaction plus 2 years $59, annually $64, annually $69, annually Motion carried. (Signed) C. Lange 4

5 Motion by C. Lange and seconded by T. Posma to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Michigan Promise Zone Authority Act, Public Act 549 of 2008, as amendment (the "Act"), authorizes the creation of a promise zone authority to implement and administer the operation of a promise zone; and WHEREAS, the Act provides that a county is eligible to establish a promise zone if the percentage of families with children under age 18 that are living at or below the federal poverty level is greater than or equal to the state average of families with children under age 18 living at or below the federal poverty level; and WHEREAS, on December 12, 2017, the Mason County Board of Commissioners (the "Board" or the "County") determined that it is eligible to establish a promise zone and has further determined that it is necessary for the best interests of the public residing within Mason County to establish a promise zone in accordance with the Act, including declaring its intention to establish a promise zone; and WHEREAS, on, the Board held a public hearing, which was properly noticed pursuant to the Act, to discuss the question of establishing a promise zone through a resolution of the Board. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Mason, Michigan that: 1. The actions of the County setting the date of the public hearing to discuss the County's intent to establish a promise zone complied with Section 4 of the Act. These actions include the two (2) separate publications of the notice of the public hearing (a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A) in a newspaper of general circulation in the County at least 20 and not more than 40 days before the hearing date, and the posting of the notice of public hearing in at least 20 conspicuous and public placed in the County at least 20 days before the hearing (a copy of the postings along with affidavits evidencing posting are attached hereto as Exhibit B). 2. The County has determined that it is necessary for the best interests of the public residing within the County to establish a promise zone to promote access to post-secondary education and, therefore, the County hereby declares its intent to establish a promise zone in the County in accordance with the Act. 3. It is the intent of the County that the proposed promise zone will be established in accordance with the following parameters: (a) The promise zone will be defined as the entire area of Mason County; (b) The promise zone will include a commitment to provide financial resources for public or private post-secondary education to eligible students living in the promise zone and who have graduated from a public high school or non-public high school located within the promise zone, which commitment will be determined by the promise zone authority in accordance with the requirements of the Act; and (c) The eligibility requirements for students to receive financial resources will be determined by the promise zone authority in accordance with the eligibility requirements of the Act. 4. In accordance with the requirements of the Act, the County Administrator is authorized and directed to prepare and submit, an application to the Michigan Department of Treasury requesting approval to establish a promise zone under the Act. 5. If the Michigan Department of Treasury certifies that the County is eligible to create a promise zone, the Board will take action to officially establish the promise zone and a promise zone authority at a future meeting of the Board. 6. All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provision of this Resolution are hereby rescinded. Ayes: W. Taranko, G. Castonia, L. Squires, C. Lange, S. Hull, J. Andersen, T. Posma Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. I, Cheryl Kelly, Mason County Clerk, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and original copy of a resolution adopted by the Mason County Board of Commissioners at a regular meeting thereof held on the 9th day of January, 2018, the original of which Resolution is a part of the Board's minutes, and further certifies that notice of the meeting was given to the public under the Open Meetings Act, 1976 PA 267, as amended. Cheryl Kelly, Mason County Clerk Motion by L. Squires and seconded by S. Hull to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, Homeland Security Grants are now being given on a regional basis; and WHEREAS, the County of Mason is a member of the Region 6 Homeland Security Governing Board; and WHEREAS, the Region 6 Homeland Security Governing Board has designated West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission as the Fiduciary for the 2017 Homeland Security Program; and 5

6 WHEREAS, the Public Safety & Courts Committee is recommending approval of an agreement with West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of the County of Mason approves an agreement with West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission and authorizes the Board Chair to sign said agreement. Motion carried. (Signed) L. Squires Motion by S. Hull and seconded by J. Andersen to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Public Safety and Courts Committee is recommending approval of the attached Standard Operating Procedures for the Mason County Animal Control Shelter. attached Standard Operating Procedures for the Mason County Animal Control Shelter. Motion carried. (Signed) S. Hull Commissioner J. Andersen thanked the Board of Commissioners for their vote of confidence in selecting her as Vice-Chairperson. Motion by J. Andersen and seconded by S, Hull to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, the County of Mason has a long standing lease agreement with the FAA to provide space at the Mason County Airport; and WHEREAS, the FAA is requesting a new ten year lease for the Remote Communications Outlet (RCO). Lease Number DTFACN-17-L-R00249 with the FAA for space at the Mason County Airport. Motion carried. (Signed) J. Andersen Motion by T. Posma and seconded by W. Taranko to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Finance, Personnel, & Rules Committee has reviewed the transfers for. THEREFORE, we, your Finance, Personnel, & Rules Committee, request your approval of the following transfers: Welfare Child Care $ 30, Friend of the Court $106, Jail Operations $133, Law Library $ 3, Social Welfare $ 6, Probate Court Child Care $ 67, Property & Liability Insurance $ 10, Motion by T. Posma and seconded by J. Andersen to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, the auditing firm of Layton & Richardson, P.C., has audited the county s records for the last fifteen years; and WHEREAS, Layton & Richardson, P.C., has offered to extend the contract for a year. proposal from Layton & Richardson, P.C., for the audit of the County of Mason for the year ended 2017 and directs the Board Chair to sign said proposal. 6

7 Motion by T. Posma and seconded by W. Taranko to approve the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Finance, Personnel, and Rules Committee is recommending the attached budget amendments. attached budget amendments. Administrator Knizacky informed the board that Requests for Proposal (RFP) were sent out for the I.T. Network Administrator position that will become available due to the retirement of Tim Hansen. Eight RFP s were received and will be reviewed with members of the Selection Committee over the next month to choose one to hire. This choice will then come back to the Board of Commissioners for approval at a future date. Commissioner Squires requested an update from Administrator Knizacky regarding the Litigation Committee s work with the Opioid law suit. Administrator Knizacky noted that contact has been made with the lawyers who will be representing Mason County in this endeavor. Public Comment: Dani McGarry, Director of the Mason-Lake Conservation District, presented a brief quarterly report to the Board noting several staffing changes within their office over the past few months. In addition, she noted with the moving of the Michigan State University Extension office to the college, their office has had an increase in foot traffic. Ms. McGarry noted that the Chinnery Roll project was delayed due to it being classified as an archeology historical site requiring clearance, but it is slowly moving ahead at this time. She thanked the board for their continued support and allocation of funds that allows them to continue to work for the residents of Mason County. Jeff Mount, Mason County Central Superintendent, noted that in his 25 years of working in the educational field, he never thought he would be part of such a significant event as the Mason County Promise. He thanked Administrator Knizacky and the Board of Commissioners for all of the work. Any other business: Chairman Lange informed the Board members that all Committee appointments will be left the same as they were in Should anyone have an issue, to please contact him. There was no Public Comment: With no other business the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m. CHERYL KELLY, COUNTY CLERK CHARLES LANGE, BOARD CHAIRMAN 7